Claim
Chapter 138: Hiro or Zero?-2
Then she continued smoothly, “Future husband is accurate. However, it’s not completely set
in stone.”
Maya tilted her head, curiosity sparking. “What do you mean, Aunt Dahlia?”
Dahlia’s gaze swept the room, her tone cool and calculated. “Unlike the Lockwoods, whose bloodline is strictly confined to royals, the Takahashi traditions aren’t about keeping everything within a single family. Their focus is on preserving a strong, undiluted bloodline- but that doesn’t exclude outsiders. That’s why they don’t restrict themselves to just their own. In fact, the four other families are considered part of their inner circle.”
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before continuing. “Harper may be matched to Hiro. But… if she were to fall in love with someone else-someone capable of matching her family in status and power-the match could be reconsidered. Tradition binds them, yes, but strength and alliances carry more weight than blood alone.”
James cleared his throat, stepping forward with a sly grin. “That said… obviously the boss is already taken. And anyone from the Volkov bloodline? Definitely bad news. And… well… Mr. Ashcroft here is adamant there’s no connection between him and Ms. Lin, so that’s also a no-go. So… is there anyone else who could even be a potential match?”
Harper blinked, caught off guard, her cheeks warming. She waved her hands, trying to soften the bluntness. “Oh, come on, you’re making it sound so… bad. I mean… honestly, Hiro isn’t that terrible. Actually… he’d be a good husband.” She gave a small, awkward shrug, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Ashcroft’s throat worked, as if swallowing down words he refused to voice. A flicker of something dangerous crossed his features, barely contained-a mix of jealousy, possessiveness, and unspoken warning that made the air around him tense.
Damien’s eyes flicked to Ashcroft, catching the subtle tightening of his jaw and the narrowing of his eyes. Knowing his friend well enough to read between the lines, a sly grin spread across Damien’s face. “You know what, Harper?” he said, voice teasing, almost conspiratorial. “Maybe you can invite this Hiro over one day… and we can all go out on a little
double date.”
The words hung in the air like a spark. Ashcroft’s eyes widened ever so slightly, a flush creeping up his neck. The dangerous flicker in his expression intensified, barely restrained, while Harper froze mid-shrug, caught between amusement and mortification.
Maya’s eyes lit up instantly, her grin mischievous as she leaned forward. “Oohhh, that’s a
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Chapter 139 Hiro or Zero?-2
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good idea! I want to meet him too!” Her voice bubbled with excitement, though the sly glance she shot Damien made it clear she fully understood the chaos she was stirring.
Harper’s cheeks warmed, her fingers fidgeting nervously, while Ashcroft’s jaw tightened further, the faintest edge of possessive irritation threading through his expression. Damien’s grin widened, quietly reveling in the moment he’d created.
The room buzzed with a mix of tension, teasing, and barely contained laughter-everyone sensing the sparks flying between them, but only a few fully aware of the game unfolding.
Ashcroft’s jaw tightened, his patience thinning, before he finally spoke-his voice clipped, edged with controlled exasperation. “Alright, that’s enough.” The words cut through the playful chatter like a blade. “We should be focusing on bigger, more important things ahead of us-not wasting time on useless marriage alliances, planning double dates, or… traditional
bullshits.”
He flicked his wrist, glancing at his watch with calculated nonchalance. “Oh, would you look at that-it’s almost seven. No wonder I’m starving. I’d say it’s about time we all grabbed something to eat, don’t you think?”
The room shifted. Damien smirked faintly, clearly catching the sharp edge beneath Ashcroft’s words, while Maya pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh at how transparent he was being. Harper rolled her eyes but exhaled in relief, silently grateful the spotlight had moved away from her.
“James,” Damien said smoothly, as if to punctuate the change of subject, “take care of dinner preparations.”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.